Much has changed this semester but some familiar symbols of the university still stand tall. / Photo by Devonne Mccullough
BY RYAN RUTKOWSKI / VN STAFF WRITER
Despite challenges presented by the pandemic, leaders of Detroit Mercy’s Student Government Association are on the same page, according to vice president Ben Westphal.
“Our mission is the same,” Westphal said. “We will try to be a voice for those in need and we will be willing to help out.”
President Kenny Donaldson’s and Westphal’s terms are up after this semester.
Both are graduating in December, but their goals remain in place.
“We’re going to try to build up the senate more and with elections coming up in October, we want to get the ball rolling on recruitment,” Westphal said.
He said that he knows that the recruitment process will be different, as everything is this year, but that has not deterred them.
The senate and SGA will be in good hands with many leaders, he said.
“We are committed to filling different positions and we are just looking for new board members,” Westphal said of the recruitment process.
He does not expect fewer applicants this year, either.
SGA is active on social media. Members also will be relying on word of mouth to spread the news to possible applicants.
Association members held their first meeting on Sept. 17 over Zoom.
“Zoom meetings won’t hurt us at all,” Westphal said. “Everyone will be able to chime in much easier. We will be able to hear people one at a time.”
Even before the first meeting, SGA was already involved with the university this semester.
Westphal said he knows that everyone is a little behind with all organizations, but it is just a product of the pandemic. He believes it will all come together.
Westphal was co-director of orientation this year and most of the orientation staff were SGA members.
SGA will be involved with many organizations, helping out everyone during the pandemic, he said.
“Students are always welcome to reach out. We are the bridge between the students and the university faculty,” Westphal said.
You can find the Student Government Association on Instagram @detroitmercySGA or on Facebook /detroitmercySGA.
